Dancing at the River’s Edge – A Patient and her Doctor Negotiate Life with Chronic Illness by Alida Brill and Michael D Lockshin, MD
This book is a journey through the world of the sick. The illnesses are varied, the outcomes unknown, a variety of drugs and trials are used to treat the patients, and families and relationships can fall apart during the journey.
It is written from the perspective of the patient and her doctor. Alida talks about how she feels as a patient, what she didn’t want to admit (I may never get well), what she had to give up along the way, and how she kept going despite all the hardships.
Michael talks about how he began treating chronic illnesses, his successes and failures and how much he has learned from his patients along the way.
A mix of chapters from the two of them make a nice touch. One moment you’re the doctor, next you’re the patient.
If you’ve never experienced chronic illness, this book will open your eyes to how hard it is for someone with an ugly illness that may have no outward sign to maintain a normal, everyday life. What you do with no effort is a major undertaking for them!
If you have a chronic illness, this book will share emotions with you that you have already experienced. You may have even dealt with the issues in the same way, who knows?
While it may be a chronic illness, Alida still has hope. She still has a life. And she’s learning hot o make the most of it. Maybe she has some hints for you.
If you’d like my advance reader’s copy of this book, visit my website at www.bookfaerie.com and choose the contact button on the left side of the menu and write to me to tell me why you’d like you’d like to be chosen. I’ll pick a winner in about a week.
Book review written by JoAnn Hakola, The Book Faerie, © 2009 butyoudontlooksick.com
